Note that Desi Todi has nothing whatsoever to do with the Todi group of ragas.

Raga Bilaskhani Todi

Legend has it that Bilaskhan, the son of Tansen, composed this Todi variant, Upon Jansens demise, a dispute broke out as to who would be his successor. A contest was organised with all contenders singing next to Tansens body, with the aim of producing some kind of movement in it.

Bilaskhani Todi is a serene and fragile raga. With the same notes as that of Bhairavi, it can quickly disintegrate if the main emotion of the raag is not adhered to.

A lot of maestros have only played alaap in this raag

Bollywood adoption of Bilaskhani Todi comes from the movie Lekin (1990), with the song Jhoothe Naina Bole.

Classical Treatment

Bilaskhani Todi has been unfortunately diluted in several classical performances. The serene but not austere main mood of the raga can be easily compromised by too much embellishment and even some eminent names have done so.

On the sarod, I talk about this (except from a recent concert) and present alaap and compositions Note Raw Video/Audio

Technical

For those technically inclined, Bilaskhani Todi has the same notes as Bhairavi